10Best.Guide

Turntable

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Great sound quality
  • Easy to connect to Bluetooth
  • Adjustable arm and antiskate
  • Direct drive and pitch control
  • Good quality materials
Cons
  • Poor quality control
  • Multiple defective units
Bottom Line
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK turntable is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality turntable with Bluetooth connectivity. It has great sound quality, adjustable arm, antiskate, direct drive, and pitch control. However, there are some quality control issues that buyers should be aware of.
Pros
  • Good tracking ability
  • Easy to set up
  • Affordable for the quality
  • Acrylic platter looks cool
  • Auto-stop feature
Cons
  • Bright sounding compared to some other turntables
  • Bass may be boosted
Bottom Line
The Fluance RT85 turntable is an affordable option with great sound quality and features such as an acrylic platter and auto-stop. However, it may be too bright for some listeners and there are some concerns about long-term durability. Overall, it is a solid choice for those looking for a quality turntable under $500.
Pros
  • Beautiful polished walnut colored plinth wood.
  • Good quality sound for the money.
  • Built-in preamp as an option.
  • Autostop feature.
  • Stunningly beautiful turntable.
Cons
  • Not automatic.
  • Variable speed controls are tiny screws that are hard to access.
Bottom Line
The Fluance RT81 turntable is a beautiful and solid piece of equipment that provides good quality sound for the money. It is not automatic, but it has an autostop feature and a built-in preamp as an option. Setup and calibration can be difficult, and there have been reports of annoying hum feedback noise. However, the appearance and sound quality are great, making it a good choice for beginners and experienced vinyl collectors alike.
Pros
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Easy to set up
  • Reasonable weight setting and anti-skate
  • Auto start and auto return stop function
  • Great quality for the price
Cons
  • Audio quality is not great
  • Bluetooth auto connects to devices without initiating pairing
Bottom Line
The Bose Soundlink II mini Special Edition turntable is a great choice for casual vinyl listeners who want to upgrade from a suitcase player. It has Bluetooth connectivity, easy set up, and reasonable weight setting and anti-skate. However, the audio quality is not great and there are some issues with Bluetooth auto-connecting and shipping/warranty. Overall, it is a good quality product for the price.
Pros
  • Sophisticated features
  • Great sound
  • Stylish looks
  • Accurate sound
  • Professional grade counterbalance and anti-skate
Cons
  • Platter wobbles
  • Too manual for beginners
Bottom Line
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK turntable is a good choice for those looking for a sophisticated, accurate, and stylish turntable with great sound. However, it may not be suitable for beginners and has some issues with the platter and returns process.

The Ultimate Turntable Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Record Player for You

Overview

Turntables have been making a comeback in recent years, with many music lovers rediscovering the joys of vinyl records. But with so many different types and models of turntables on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to choose the best turntable for you.

Types

1. Belt Drive Turntables: Belt drive turntables use a rubber belt to turn the platter that the record sits on. These turntables are generally quieter and offer better sound quality than direct drive turntables.

2. Direct Drive Turntables: Direct drive turntables use a motor to turn the platter. These turntables are generally more durable and offer better speed stability than belt drive turntables.

3. Automatic Turntables: Automatic turntables have features such as auto-return and auto-stop, which make them more convenient to use. However, these features can sometimes affect sound quality.

4. Manual Turntables: Manual turntables require the user to manually start and stop the turntable, which can be more difficult but can also provide better sound quality.

5. Hi-Fi Turntables: Hi-Fi turntables are designed for audiophiles and offer the highest sound quality. These turntables often have features such as high-end cartridges and styluses, as well as advanced vibration damping.

Key Considerations

1. Budget: Turntables can range in price from less than $100 to several thousand dollars. Determine your budget before you start shopping.

2. Sound Quality: Consider the sound quality you want from your turntable, as well as the type of music you’ll be playing.

3. Cartridge and Stylus: The cartridge and stylus are crucial components of a turntable and can greatly affect sound quality. Look for high-quality options.

4. Turntable Setup: Consider the space you have available for your turntable and whether you’ll need additional equipment such as a preamp or speakers.

Features

1. USB Turntables: USB turntables allow you to convert your vinyl records to digital files.

2. Bluetooth Turntables: Bluetooth turntables allow you to stream music wirelessly to a Bluetooth-enabled speaker.

3. Record Cleaning Kits: Record cleaning kits can help keep your vinyl records in good condition.

4. Turntable Mats: Turntable mats can help reduce vibration and improve sound quality.

Prices

Turntables can range in price from less than $100 to several thousand dollars.

Tips

1. Always handle your vinyl records carefully to avoid damaging them.

2. Make sure your turntable is level to avoid affecting sound quality.

3. Consider investing in a high-quality cartridge and stylus.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a preamp for my turntable?

A: Many turntables require a preamp to amplify the signal and make it compatible with speakers or other audio equipment.

Q: How do I clean my vinyl records?

A: There are many different methods for cleaning vinyl records, including using a record cleaning kit or a microfiber cloth.

Q: Can I connect my turntable to a computer?

A: Yes, many turntables come with USB ports that allow you to connect them to a computer and convert your vinyl records to digital files.

Q: How often should I replace my stylus?

A: It depends on how often you use your turntable and the quality of your stylus. Generally, you should replace your stylus every few years.

Conclusion: With so many different types and models of turntables available, it’s important to consider your needs and budget before making a purchase. By following the key considerations and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to choose the best turntable for your needs and enjoy your vinyl records to the fullest.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Automatic start/stop feature
  • Good sound quality
  • Affordable price
Cons
  • Durability issues
  • Low-quality components
Bottom Line
The Sony turntable is a good choice for those looking for an affordable, easy-to-use turntable with Bluetooth connectivity and automatic start/stop feature. However, durability issues and low-quality components may be a concern for some buyers.
Pros
  • Excellent value for the price
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Great sound quality
  • Automatic arm and play feature
  • Beginner-friendly
Cons
  • Bluetooth connectivity issues
  • 7" setting not always reliable
Bottom Line
The Audio-Technica turntable is a great value for the price, with excellent sound quality and beginner-friendly features. However, it has some minor flaws such as Bluetooth connectivity issues and unreliable 7" setting.
Pros
  • Automatic features make it easy to use
  • Reasonably priced
  • Good sound quality
  • Easy to hook up to other devices
  • Plays everything without skipping
Cons
  • Cheap packaging and build quality
  • Fragile buttons and mechanisms
Bottom Line
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X turntable is a reasonably priced option with good sound quality and automatic features, but its build quality and construction are lacking. Buyers should be prepared to potentially encounter issues with the product upon arrival.
Pros
  • Easy to set up
  • Good for beginners
  • Looks great
  • Clear top cover
  • Onboard preamp and cartridge sound good
Cons
  • Tone arm has no weight adjustment knob
  • Plastic construction
Bottom Line
This turntable is a good option for beginners who want to listen to vinyl at a reasonable price. It has some limitations, such as the lack of weight adjustment for the tone arm and the plastic construction, but it looks great and is easy to set up. The sound quality is decent, but it may not be loud enough for some users. Overall, it's a good value for the price.
Pros
  • Bluetooth enabled
  • Easy to use
  • Plays 78 vinyl records
  • Retro look
  • Good for beginners
Cons
  • Poor sound quality
  • Design flaws
Bottom Line
This turntable is a good option for beginners or those looking for an affordable and retro-looking vinyl player. However, the sound quality is not great and it may be worth investing in better speakers. The customer support is prompt and there is a 3-year warranty for issues.
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